Microsoft Launches XNA Dev Kit

When Microsoft first announced that it would be giving independent developers an affordable way to create their own games with XNA, hopefuls everywhere began dreaming up ways to get their feet wet in the game industry. Today, Microsoft has officially released XNA Game Studio Express, a comprehensive set of development tools that gives any willing creative mind the ability to turn their ideas into fully playable games. Those wishing to download XNA Game Studio Express can get it free of charge at www.msdn.com/XNA, provided they have a Windows XP-based PC.

Alongside the official release of the toolset, Microsoft also launched the XNA Creators Club, a subscription program that gives developers access to thousands of useful tools to help them through the development process, including starter kits, samples and technical support from Microsoft and XNA’s other supporters. Creators Club subscriptions are now available for download on the Xbox Live Marketplace at a price of $49 for a 4-month membership or $99 for a 12-month membership.

“The XNA Creators Club is really the first of its kind — an opportunity to join a community of other developers who are empowered to bring their game ideas to life on a next-generation console system,” said Chris Satchell, general manager of Microsoft’s Game Developer Group. “When it comes to encouraging development on XNA Game Studio Express and through the XNA Creators Club, the limits are truly endless. What users will see today is just the beginning of the plans we have to revolutionize game development one creative game idea at a time.”

In addition, Microsoft announced a contest that would give XNA users the opportunity to show their creations to the world and compete for a chance to have their game released on the Xbox Live Arcade. Titled “Dream-Build-Play,” the contest will be open to all Game Studio Express users on Windows as well as XNA Creators Club members using their Xbox 360.

“Xbox Live Arcade has opened up a wealth of new publishing opportunities for established and independent developers alike, so it made perfect sense to also extend this privilege to hobbyists and amateur programmers,” said Greg Canessa, group manager of Xbox Live Arcade at Microsoft. “We have a tremendous opportunity to shine the spotlight on up-and-coming talent through the ‘Dream-Build-Play’ contest, and we can’t wait to share their creativity with our gaming community around the world.”

The “Dream-Build-Play” contest is set to launch in January 2007. Further details will be released soon at www.dreambuildplay.com.